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S 1851

An Act relative to maintenance of physical examinations records for public safety personnel

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Bill S 1851 allows public safety personnel to use affidavits as proof of physical exams when records are missing, ensuring their health status is validated efficiently.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · S 1851

Summary of Bill S 1851: An Act Relative to Maintenance of Physical Examinations Records for Public Safety Personnel

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1851 aims to address the issue of maintaining physical examination records for public safety personnel in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill seeks to provide a mechanism for public safety personnel or their employers to validate the completion of required physical examinations, particularly when records are missing.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes amendments to Chapter 32 of the General Laws, specifically:

  1. Affidavit Submission:

    • If an employer fails to maintain a record of a member’s physical examination upon entry into service, either the member or the employer can submit an affidavit.
    • This affidavit must attest that the member underwent a physical examination and that the examination did not reveal any disqualifying conditions.
    • The affidavit will serve as satisfactory evidence of the physical examination having taken place.

  2. Applicable Sections:

    • The amendments will affect Sections 94, 94A, and 94B(1) of Chapter 32, ensuring consistency across the relevant legal provisions regarding physical examinations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public Safety Personnel: This includes firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders who are required to undergo physical examinations as part of their employment.
  • Employers: Public safety agencies and departments that are responsible for maintaining the health and safety records of their employees will also be impacted by this bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, by Senator Paul R. Feeney.
  • Committee Actions:
    • The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Service and has since been reported favorably by the committee.
    • It was subsequently referred to the Committee on Senate Rules on November 13, 2025.
  • Hearing Scheduled: A hearing for the bill is set for June 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.

Conclusion

Bill S 1851 provides a crucial update to the legal framework governing the maintenance of physical examination records for public safety personnel. By allowing affidavits to serve as valid proof of examinations, the bill aims to streamline processes and ensure that public safety personnel can validate their health status even in the absence of formal records. This legislative change is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of public safety agencies and support the health and safety of their personnel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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